Networks Grapple with Presidential Speech Timing (during May Sweeps)

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/Reuters: Networks Grapple with Presidential Speech Timing
By REUTERS
Published: May 14, 2006

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - At least two of the Big Four broadcast networks will carry President Bush's address to the nation on immigration Monday.

As of Friday, NBC and Fox said they would carry the president's speech from 8 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. EDT. Both ABC and CBS deferred the decision on whether to carry until sometime Monday.

Some of the networks were said to be annoyed that the White House had timed the Oval Office address during the May Sweeps, that critical time in the broadcast year when the networks and their affiliates fight for ratings. At least one show, Fox's ''Prison Break,'' was scheduled to have its season finale at 8 p.m. Monday.

Fox said late Friday that the "Prison Break'' finale would begin at 8:20 p.m. EDT/7:20 p.m. CDT, after the president's speech concluded. Fox's hit "24'' will air 20 minutes later in both time zones; Mountain and Pacific time zones aren't affected.

Meanwhile, NBC will air an abbreviated version of the special two-hour edition of "Deal or No Deal'' from 8:25-10 p.m. on the East Coast, following the president's address....

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/arts/entertainment-television-bush.html

[5X]

1. Lets all call each and every station...

and demand they show their regularly scheduled programs.

[Mika]

3. Actually, watching Bush is kinda like watching survivor.

Watch who gonna get kicked.. Bush, or us.

[Atman]

2. NBC (subsidiary of defense contractor GE) and FOX (subs. of the GOP)

SURPRISE!

:eyes:

[pooja]

4. entertainment value

Ok, so like everything--bush timing sucks. But seriously lets put things in perspective. Anytime Bush actually speaks to the nation we ought to listen and not worry abuout a fictional show that will play re-runs all season long. But seriously... what better timing for the laugh-in show.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Thanks for posting, pooja -- and welcome to DU!

[babylonsister]

6. Well, how would dimson know beforehand that KKKKarl was

going to be indicted? :shrug:

[wellst0nev0ter]

7. Here's An Idea

stop giving the Dimson and is lies any more coverage.

[tinymontgomery]

8. Time to go rent a movie

pop some popcorn and snuggle in with the wife for the night!